BY DAVE SCHUTTE
Enquirer contributor
Playing in qualifiers is something new for 23-year-old Andre Medvedev, the 27th-ranked player in the world during the 1997 season.
He was matched against Cecil Mamiit from Los Angeles in a first-round qualifying match of the Great American Insurance ATP Championship on Saturday, and Medvedev dominated en route to a 6-1, 6-3 victory.
A total of 14 qualifying matches were played on Saturday. The winners advanced to today's finals. Sunday's seven winners earn a spot in the main draw, which begins Monday.
"I've been sick three weeks, and this is my first tournament since I reached the finals (July 12) in Bastad (Sweden)" Medvedev said. "I asked for a wild card but didn't get one."
Tournament director Paul Flory explained that there are many factors considered in selecting the wild cards, including ranking, promotional value, promising futures and what is fair to the world of tennis.
"It was a tough call on Andre," Flory said. "He did request a wild card, but early on it didn't look like he had a chance. But sometimes situations change."
Through 1997, the 6-foot-4, 192-pound Medvedev has earned more than $5 million in prize money. He has won at least one ATP tournament championship each of the past six years. His highest singles ranking was No. 6 in 1993.
"In some ways, this is a joke," Medvedev said. "But it's my responsibility to keep up my ranking, and I don't mind playing in this qualifier."
Four of the five wild cards were awarded to players with lower rankings that Medvedev, including Steve Campbell (88), Wayne Black (105) and Alex O'Brien (143).
Currently ranked No. 69, Medvedev appeared bored early in the match. He showed little emotion or enthusiasm until finally taking control at 3-1.
"It's not that I was bored or didn't care," Medvedev said. "I'm tired and weak."
The biggest upset in Saturday's qualifying matches was registered by Bob Bryan, a 22-year-old Stanford University player.
In a two-hour, three-set match, Bryan (No. 488 ranking) downed Sargis Sargsian (No. 85 ranking) from Armenia, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, to advance to today's finals against No. 146-ranked Wolfgang Schrantz, a 6-1, 6-4 winner over Marq Foster from Dayton.
"I just turned pro several months ago," said Bryan, who teamed with his twin brother, Mike, to win the NCAA doubles championship. "This was a big victory and allows me to gain some valuable experience." Coached by their parents (Kathy and Wayne), the Bryans are projected as top 20 players in the world by former professional Tom Gullikson, himself a twin.
Bryan knows nothing about today's opponent (Schrantz), but expects another tough match. "Anyone who beats (David) Wheaton (6-1, 6-4) has to be tough," Bryan said.
The other upset in the qualifier was pulled off by David Nainkin from Russia (No. 202), who eliminated American Michael Sell (138 ranking).
Action resumes today at 10 a.m. with the seven qualifier championship matches followed by the qualifier doubles matches. The Cincinnati team of Jeff Wolf and Dan Kronauge is scheduled to compete.
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